Business costs set to rise in 2012 according to Utility Exchange Online

A huge number of micro and small businesses still fail to compare business electricity prices and gas charges and as a result they are often not on the best deals

Business electricity prices and business gas tariffs have risen this year and as a result small businesses have been hit hard.

All of the Big Six energy providers have increased their gas and electricity charges this year, something which has been reported by utility-exchange.co.uk, the online business energy comparison site.

These price increases have obviously impacted heavily on small businesses, many of which are still struggling to get banks to lend to them. “A huge number of micro and small businesses still fail to compare business electricity prices and gas charges and as a result they are often not on the best deals. They may even be on more expensive roll over contracts” explained Conway Standing, Managing Director at Utility Exchange Online.

Small businesses are also suffering as a result of concerns over the economy and the weakening euro. Retail sales fell 0.4% in November and high street retailers are being hit hard. Larger retailers can encourage spending by discounting goods but smaller businesses can’t do this.

Using an energy comparison site can help businesses to reduce their energy bills. Helping to cut energy bills means businesses will have more cash available to spend on other things. “It’s free to compare the latest prices on Utility Exchange Online and there are no hidden charges - it’s free to sign up” explained Adam White, Director at utility-exchange.co.uk.

Mr White continued by explaining that: “our comparison service has a quick and easy 3 step process so you can compare the market and get the right deal for your business. You also get a dedicated account manager to handle the switchover process”.

At a time when small businesses are struggling with rising bills, letting a comparison site take the stress out of finding the right deal for you means you have more time to concentrate on running your business.